HE was one of their oldest and most respected members.

Civil engineer Maurice Porter was the founder president of New Forest Rotary Club and became the first member of the group to be made a Paul Harris Fellow.

Named after the Chicago attorney who founded Rotary International in 1905 it is one of the highest accolades the organisation can bestow.

Mr Porter, who lived in Lyndhurst for more than half a century, died last year aged 82.

Now the club has launched a new grants scheme in memory of their founder and wants to hear from organisations or individuals who are striving to transform the lives of people in the New Forest.

A club spokesman said: “In 1975 a group of businessmen formed a Rotary Club in the New Forest under Maurice Porter’s inspired leadership.

“Maurice was elected founder president and during the club’s lifetime we have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support local, national and international projects.

“Sadly Maurice died last year and will not be with us to celebrate our club’s 40th anniversary in May.

Daily Echo:
Maurice Porter

“However, in recognition of the dedicated service he gave to the club and the local community, we have created the Founder President’s Fund in his honour.

“The fund seeks to give financial support to any individual, organisation or charity undertaking projects aimed at improving the lives of people within the New Forest.

“Applications for funding are invited from anyone for any project aimed at making life better within our community.”

Mr Porter moved to Lyndhurst in 1958. He was a parish councillor for three years, a keen member of the residents’ association and a tireless campaigner for a Lyndhurst bypass.

Heart bypass surgery in 2010 gave him a new lease of life but he developed skin cancer in 2012 and died two years later.

A memorial service at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyndhurst was attended by 250 friends, family and colleagues